Wellington [New Zealand], October 7: The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) announced on October 6 that the naval ship HMNZS Manawanui ran aground and sank off the coast of Samoa, according to Reuters.
Footage and images on social media showed smoke billowing from the HMNZS Manawanui after it ran aground. The ship then capsized and sank at around 9am local time on 6 October.
NZDF Maritime Commander Shane Arndell said the HMNZS Manawanui ran aground near Upolu Island in Samoa on the evening of 5 October while conducting a coral reef survey. Mr Arndell added that several ships and aircraft assisted in the rescue of the crew and passengers. All 75 crew and passengers were safely taken to Samoa by lifeboats and speedboats.
The cause of the HMNZS Manawanui grounding is under investigation. New Zealand Navy Chief of Staff Gary Golding said two people were injured in the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, according to The New Zealand Herald.
The HMNZS Manawanui was built by the New Zealand government at a cost of NZD 103 million (VND 1,570 billion). This ship is used for many diving, salvage and survey activities around New Zealand and the southwest Pacific region.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper